VNA's Hospice Awarded Grant from Connelly Foundation

PHILADELPHIA, June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia (VNA) has been notified by the Connelly Foundation of a grant aware in the amount of $50,000.  The funds will be used to support the VNA's Hospice of Philadelphia's new 14-bed inpatient unit for hospice care.

The new inpatient unit, located at Falls Center in the East Falls area of Philadelphia, opened in July 2009.

"Our hospice inpatient unit has proved to be a huge support for our nurses, full-time physician staff and most importantly the patients and families of the terminally ill," said Stephen Holt, President and CEO of the VNA.  "This outstanding award from the Connelly Foundation will enable the VNA to continue its commitment to make life's final span more comfortable for so many patients and families of limited means."

Since the opening of the inpatient unit, the VNA has secured $780,000 in gifts and grants to support hospice services.

In addition to the inpatient unit, Hospice of Philadelphia provides in-home hospice care to more than 225 patients on a daily basis.  Hospice of Philadelphia maintains a staff of nearly 100 professionals that include nurses, physicians, aides, therapists, counselors and office personnel.  Hospice of Philadelphia began in 1993.

Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia

The Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia is a leading not-for-profit provider of comprehensive 24-hour in-home healthcare to residents of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties.   Since 1886, the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia has provided specialized services to Southeastern Pennsylvania residents regardless of their ability to pay.  For more information about the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia or the services it provides, visit www.vnaphilly.org or call 1-800-VNA-1160.

Hospice of Philadelphia

Hospice of Philadelphia, a service of the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia, provides home care, respite and inpatient services to patients with progressive illnesses.  Other services provided for patient comfort and family support include alternative therapies, bereavement care and pastoral counseling, which help promote the patients' and families' well-being.

SOURCE Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia